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Sunday, May 28, 2006

Top 25 Heavyweights (As of June, 2006)

By JE Grant

While there are no changes in the top 10, the second tier continues to percolate. Young former Olympians Jason Estrada and Alexander Povetkin have scored fairly significant 1o-round wins very early in their respective careers and show promise.

The alphabet sanctioning bodies continue spew out rulings that are growing more bizarre with each edict. The IBF has been leading the way of late in the apparent sweepstakes for nuttiest rulings. On the organization’s website, they have no one listed in the number 1 position. Funny how that works. They can rank fighters in every other position but just can’t seem to figure out a number 1 contender. (Add to that the zany position taken recently by the organization allowing Zab Judah to hold onto its version of the welterweight title after losing a title fight and from 2005 the decision to allow DaVarryl Williamson to leapfrog over Wladimir Klitschko in their ratings despite losing to him. What is boiling in their collective brain buckets)?

Of late, we’ve been hearing rumblings that perhaps the newly crowned IBF beltholder Klitschko wants to tangle with James Toney and presto, we see “Lights Out” in their top ten. For all its cleverness, the IBF’s sub-organization, the USBA (ostensibly rating US-based fighters), does not list James Toney anywhere in its top 15 as posted on May 25, 2006.

The WBC of course has ruled that the winner of the upcoming Hasim Rahman – Oleg Maskaev bout must fight James Toney.

The WBA is sanctioning the Nicolay Valuev-Owen Beck “title” bout despite the fact that Beck has never beaten a top fighter. In fact in two brushes with top ten fighters he has lost resoundingly.

Obviously no sanctioning body has cornered the market on goofiness.

We’ll see where it all leads soon enough.

* * *

1.Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine – IBF Champion (Last month #1) The whispers about Klitschko’s next opponent are getting louder and the name James Toney keeps popping up on various boxing websites. One small hurdle was cleared– “Lights Out” is suddenly rated by the IBF. He went from non-existent to number 8. Manny Steward, Klitschko’s corner genius, knows that Toney is a marquee draw and more importantly can’t put a dent in the grill of Wlad. It is this simple, if a fighter can’t punch hard enough to hurt Klitschko, he can’t win. If the match is made look for Toney to end up in a heap.

2.Hasim Rahman, USA – WBC Champion (Last Month #2) Everything appears set for his rematch against Oleg Maskaev. As boxing fans will remember, the first time the two met (in 1999), Rahman ended up in the front row at ringside. A boxing lifetime has been had by both since that meeting. Rahman has twice worn a title belt and Maskaev has declined in output sharply. At the age of 37, this is Maskaev’s last big shot. Who knows if his has the power.

3. Serguei Liakhovich, Belarus – WBO Champion (Last month #3) Liakhovich goes from dominating wins over Dominck Guinn and Lamon Brewster to pondering a defense against Kevin McBride. Really? What in the world would be the draw? McBride has done nothing to indicate he rates a shot at the NABO title much less a so-called “world” belt. Liakhovich’s promoter, Don King, has been hollering about unification --- why not do it right now with the two belts he controls (the second being Nicolay Valuev’s WBA strap)? Will HBO or Showtime support showing a Liakhovich-McBride match? Serguei, why go this direction when mountains of money await against Klitschko, Rahman, or even Valuev?

4. Lamon Brewster, USA (Last month #4) He suffered a detached retina against Liakhovich. No one can be sure how the injury will affect his career but it is a major obstacle. Let’s hope for the best because Brewster is still the most exciting heavyweight in the game today.

5. Chris Byrd, USA (Last month #5) Currently thinking about his future in the game. If Chris listened to me – fat chance – I would tell to go right now for the world cruiserweight championship against O’Neil Bell. There’s no doubt he could make the weight and goodness knows that Bell needs to face a real name to make money in the division. We might also see why Chris Byrd has truly been special in light of the fact that he has always given away height and weight.

6. Calvin Brock, USA (Last month #6) Timor Ibragimov is the only thing standing in the way of a title showdown with one of the belt mongers – possibly Wladimir Klitschko. Beating Ibragimov will be no small feat despite that you’ll see Timor listed far down this page. Ibragimov hasn’t checked all the boxes for success yet and is looking to make his mark by jumping up in competition dramatically. Look for an action fight in June.

7. Samuel Peter, Nigeria (Last month #7) The “Nigerian Nightmare” starched the 7-footer Julius Long proving very little. Still, he needs only to stay active to be assured at some kind of title shot. It’s not clear that he learned as much as he should have against Klitschko. The next time we’ll find out is when he meets someone who isn’t petrified by his mere presence.

8. James Toney, USA (Last month #8) You’ve seen above that he may get against Klitschko what may prove his last shot at a belt. Of course if the bout doesn’t come off, he’s been guaranteed a “mandatory” shot at the winner of the Rahman-Maskaev match. If you’re scratching your head wondering why he keeps getting title shots you’re not alone. There’s no doubt that he can actually fight, but as a heavyweight he has yet to score a win against a top fighter. His motoring mouth has proven an asset in that it keeps those not paying attention thinking he is a major player.

9. Danny Williams, England (Last month #9) As a tuneup for his upcoming rematch with Matt Skelton he stopped Adnan Serin in Northern Ireland in May. He appears serious about the upcoming bout and seems to realize that a win will likely mean an opportunity for a belt. He’s come a long way since losing to Vitali Klitschko.

10. Nicolay Valuev, Russia – WBA Champion (Last month #10) Owen Beck is the first in what will likely be a long list of sacrificial offerings for the Russian. The fact that this match is being made provides ample evidence of two things: 1. Valuev’s German and American promoters suspect that he can’t really match up against the likes of Klitschko, Rahman, and Liakhovich; and 2. They really think boxing fans are idiots. Beck is a decent journeyman but in each instance that he’s brushed up against top fighters he has failed miserably. This is no real title fight.

11. John Ruiz, USA (Last month #11) So, the WBA has placed him as their number 1 contender and the IBF is ordering a box-off with Sultan Ibragimov in an elimination bout. What gives? Why does all this deference accrue to the “Quiet Man”? It just doesn’t make any practical sense. I know I won’t be paying to watch him against anyone.

12. Sultan Ibragimov, Russia (Last month #12) He may have to suffer through a title eliminator against Ruiz. Assuming he doesn’t get hugged to sleep, he may emerge as a serious contender for a belt.

13. Oleg Maskaev, Uzbekistan (Last month #13) The Big “O” is prepping for his giant chance for glory in his upcoming rematch with Hasim Rahman. A win means the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. A loss means goodbye to the big time.

14. Shannon Briggs, USA (Last month #14) Against Chris Koval, whom he stopped in three rounds, he was a career high 273. Why the unnecessary risk? Hopefully a stronger opponent the next time out will motivate him to really be ready for anything.

15. Ruslan Chagaev, Uzbekistan (Last month #15) The so-called “White Tyson” is set to return to the ring in July. A couple of serious wins and the talented and undefeated lefty will be in the thick of hunt.

16. Ray Austin, USA (Last month #16) The knuckleheaded IBF has him rated number 2, and has no one listed as number 1. Does that make sense to anyone? Doesn’t that mean Austin is the top rated heavyweight in their cockeyed rankings?

17. Dominick Guinn, USA (Last month #17) Set to go again in June against an opponent, Tony Thompson, who sports a fat 27-1 record.

18. DaVarryl Williamson, USA (Last month #20) Williamson stopped the previously undefeated Mike Mollo in May. He needed this kind of fight to get back in the mix. Of course, having recently signed with Don King, you can bet he’ll get another shot at some kind of title.

19. Fres Oquendo, USA (Last month #22) He pounded out a 10-round decision against Javier Mora. While he won handily, he sure did fade down the stretch. He needs to fight often and against tougher and tougher opposition.

20. Matt Skelton, England (Last month #21) At age 39 he desperately want to avenge his loss to fellow Briton Danny Williams. He’ll get his chance in July. A loss means going to the back of the line in Britain much less the world scene.

21. Luan Krasniqi, Germany (Last month #23) A win over David Bostice in April was hardly an auspicious attempt at reclaiming a real top rating. Nonetheless it might get him another big chance at the WBO belt. He has suddenly jumped to that organization’s number 1 spot. Remember Lamon Brewster, the man who blasted him and made him quit? He’s now ranked number 8. What a joke by the WBO.

22. Jameel McCline, USA (Last month #24) “Big Time” knows that now is the only time he has to make or break his career. He’s been in action three times this year and almost undoubtedly is going to remain busy on the club circuit. If he keeps winning, he’ll get another big payday this year.

23. Audley Harrison, England (Last month #25) He’s added Buddy McGirt to his corner. Nice start, but naturally it’s a matter of getting his fists moving that will ultimately make the difference. Time is your enemy Audley.

24. Monte Barrett, USA (Last month #18) His fight with Hasim Rahman is looking more and more like ancient history. He hasn’t won a fight since February 2005.

25. Joe Mesi, USA (Last month unranked) – Even though he is now 30-0, he’s still in the rebuilding stage of a career that stalled due to his head injury. He’ll return to action in July. He makes the top 25 based primarily on the totality of his record, not just his recent win over 40-something Ron Bellamy.

Prospects, fringe contenders, and others who need mentioning listed in no particular order. Don’t read the fact that they are listed here as an indication a ranking is imminent:

David Tua, New Zealand (Last month #19) Two fights in three years. Not exactly a way to campaign. He last fought in October and nothing is scheduled that we’ve heard about.

Jason Estrada, USA – In just his seventh pro fight, the former Olympian scored a 10-round decision over Robert Wiggins in May. A fairly impressive win coming so early in his career. We’ll watch with interest.

Chazz Witherspoon, USA – He scored a shutout decision win in May against a fighter with losing record. At 24, he’s still developing and at 12-0, needs many more fights before challenging for contender status.

Alexander Dimitrenko, Ukraine –He’s scheduled to return to action in July. We’re still waiting on the name of the opponent and at this stage of his development names become important. He’s 21-0 but the only name on his slate that many will recognize is Vaughn Bean.

Alexander Povetkin, Russia – The former Olympic Gold medallist will be back in action in June, against Livin Castillo. He’s only 7-0, but his backers are moving him quickly.

Timor Ibragimov, Uzbekistan – Calvin Brock may already be looking past their June match to a possible date with Wladimir Klitschko. Timor could not only upset that applecart, he could find himself supplanting Brock against Klitschko with a win.

Gonzalo Omar Basile, Argentina – Two wins in May show that he is busy. One of the bouts included his first venture out of Argentina --- all the way to that hotbed of heavyweight action, Uruguay. Come on big fella, spread your wings and make a swing through Las Vegas.

Tye Fields, USA – There’s nothing scheduled for the big guy since his March stoppage of Ed Mahone. Currently, only one of the alphabets has him ranked anywhere.

J.D. Chapman, USA – The young Arkansan is marching fast. He has a lot of things to learn despite the big record of 23-0. One major bright spot is that he weighed 11 pounds less in his May win over Edward Guitierrez, than he did in an April win over Matt Hicks. He’s scheduled to return to the ring in July.

Malik Scott, USA – Seems I saw something about a matchup with Sam Peter. Don’t know if its true, but it sure would let us know in a hurry if he has the goods.

Kevin McBride, Ireland – A shot at Serguei Liakhovich? Puhleeeeese make it stop. It’s hurting my brain to even think about it. Look, he seems like a likable enough fellow and he stands up well in the club scene. He just isn’t title material.

Jean Francois Bergeron, Canada – The undefeated Canadian will be back in action in June against minimal competition. We’ll know about his relative ability only when he steps it up.

49 Comments:

Bergeron is rumored to have a fight with Joe Mesi possibly on FNF this summer. Povetkin will be cracking the top 25 on your list shortly, Bango, Ahunanya, and Castillo are better names than ZOlyone, Ryan, and Koval, which is Briggs' last three. Like I told Bizzack yesterday, expect Briggs to fight in Germany against Terry Smith or if Smith declines, Darroll Wilson. Dokiwari and Rick Dyer might be back on. Dokiwari is trying to mount a comeback after graduating from UNLV this month, and is facing a Stacy Goodson fighter, who is 10-0 (10KO) problem with Dyer is he is a 6'10" southpaw with power and speed, but no refined skills or stamina or conditioning. Scott and Peter fell through because Duva wanted Peter and thought Peter would get Klitschko. I have the Williams/Serin fight, and I had it even and that was with a 1st rd knockdown by a Williams Jab. Serin was beating Williams all around the ring, had him up against the ropes and wailing away, Williams had his moments, but he was too complacent. In fact the referee had the fight 29-28 Serin at the time of the stoppage. Serin was promised to get the loser of Williams/Skelton II. Serin has a serious chance of being a solid journeymen. I think Harrison getting Buddy McGirt was a horrible idea. McGirt can't train heavyweights, and McGirt is as almost overrated as a trainer as Harrison WAS as a fighter. The two will sink each other. Chagaev won't get a name opponent for his next fight. He isn't even the main support, so I don't Sauerland will pay a lot of money to get a ranked fighter, it will probably be a low-level Sauerland heavy like Ovarskey who will get Chagaev a win and a KO for the fans.

Checking on Boxrec and I see that Jameel McCLine has a fight with Sinan Samil Sam on the 29th of July, hmmmm. I'll check if it's true, McCline is now managed by Briggs' manager so he'll give me the info. If this fight is so, and McCline is moving up faster than Briggs, why is Briggs being held back? And why isn't Briggs facing Sam, I give him a better chance than McCline because Jameel can't hit, Calloway gave him trouble.

That is interesting. I also think McCline is on the tail-end of his physical talent. I'm not sure that he can handle a top ten fighter --- but he can beat Sinan Samil Sam. A win against Sam means a high ranking given the nature of the sanctioning bodies.

Well I got a hold of Scott and this thing is bigger than I thought. Briggs might be facing someone other than SMith. The first deal was Briggs gets 300k and whatever opponent he chooses would get 50k or any way they wanted to split the 350k. Now there is a bigger deal on the table with more money involved for Briggs, McCLine, and Chapman to fight German guys over there, all high profile, but can't go into details until Universum agrees to everything. Scoot is flying back to Germany to finalize the thing, and I am supposed to keep it under wraps, but you know me, I'll just tell you guys.

Cruiser, I am surprised that Briggs hasn't fought Saleem yet. Actually a good fight for Saleem would be Basille. It would be Omar's 50th fight this year and Faruq's first in like 2 years. All jokes aside Bergeron has been busier than Saleem, and Saleem could do well to fight someone like Malcolm Tann. Bergeron needs to fight either Mesi next, or David Cadieux, who just beat Patrick L'Hueaux for the Canadian title, and all three are the best the country has to offer. The winner should go on to better more global opponents. To be honest with these UFC guys like George St. Pierre coming out of Canada, we will see a growth in Canadian fighting sports including boxing, those Canucks are some tough bastards.

I still think that Ruiz, Harrison, and Peter are too high, but hey that's me. Otherwise pretty accurate as always. That's why I mentioned you, not just because I think your pretty. A lot can be said about Timor Ibragimov and Calvin Brock after their fight, and where the hell is Taras Bidenko, or even Sinan Samil Sam? I would stick Sam in the top 25, and Bidenko right on the verge

Hmm...Well JE, I wish I could give you a bit more feedback, but I am struggling to. Why? Because it is simply too accurate! I don't particuarly agree with Troy there, but it's not 'absurd' by any stretch of the imagination. Umm...I do tend to agree with him on Bidenko though. Bidenko is a good respectable young boxer, and he has not been (at all!) 'babied' during his young career. Roman Greenberg should be at least on the 'fringe', and as soon as young Denis Boytsov fights someone who is still somewhat indulging in the 'oxygen habit', he should be as well. But all in all...Damn...I just can't find much JE!

I like Virchis as well. Sam, his best victory was knocking Danny WIlliams out, plus they give a lot of credit to there amatuer heroes, and that is exactly what Sam was for Turkey. Plus his upper-cut demolition of Dennis Bahktov was impressive, but he does lack a punch, but has decent skills. I have always ranked him higher than Brian has, so top 25 I do believe, much higher than that and I feel it's a bit of a stretch. His fight with McCline should be telling of either fighter. Sam was the favorite in his bout versus Maskaev for the WBC #1. Virchis is fighting Paolo Vidoz for the EBU heavyweight title, so mentioing is note worthy. Which brings me to the travesty of the absence of Vidoz. Paolo should take the conditioning much more seriously, but he is worthy to me of a top 15 nod. (Boot Harrison, Oquendo, Skelton, and Joe Mesi to contendership until further notice) Vidoz has beaten Hoffman, Koc, and I am tired and forgotten some of his other victories. H lost to Valuev and Zuri Lawrence early in his career, which got him booted from America. In all honesty as always very accurate, so a mention of Bidenko, and maybe a slip in of Sam, Virchis and Vidoz. The top as always is dead on, and that's what is the most controversial part of list, and the rest is just hard to always get exact, since it's basically a science, and the sanctioning bodies can't even come close to getting it right.

Well...I forgot about Vidoz, but I wouldn't put him any higher than top-30. I didn't realize that he was fighting Virchis though. So there is your answer there JE. The winner of that one goes in the top-25, the loser stays out. Simple as that. And should probably retire.

BTW-In regards to Liahkovich, I spoke with his trainer Kenny Weldon awhile back, and I asked him if the Mcbride fight was official, and if I could give 'the word'. He said yes. But...I'm not so certain if that is indeed 100% official. I have still heard no official announcement...(?)

I'm really looking forward to this Brock-Ibragimov fight guys. I really think Brock should come in at absolutely no more than 220 or 225 for this fight. He just doesn't look too good at 230 nor carry it very well.

I did just notice one thing JE. Despite Monte Barrett's recent inactivity, I think he should be a bit higher than that. His last fight was against a guy you have in your (and most everyone else's) top-3, and it was a relatively close loss. Anyways, I don't like the inactivity, I think Barrett is on the downslide, and on top of that - he kinda bores me. But I do think he should be top-20 for at least a few more months...

Barrett wants Samuel Peter, his interview is on Boxingtalk. He said he'll so it in August at MSG. I think it's a bit risky for his first fight back, but he's no that young so he needs to get fights like this if he ever wants to be champ. Oquendo has an interview there as well, and he stated that he was a living legend in the division, what a crock of shit. He looked like shit against Mora, and even someone like Briggs would put him away. Oquendo is a joke of a fighter.

I don't know that I would ever describe Oquendo as a "legend" either. Certainly he'll get another go against a top fighter and he'll have his chance to prove with his fists what his mouth is saying...or not.

Barrett-Peter is a good match. Both still have something to prove and the winner will emerge as a viable contender for a belt. Barrett can erase his slide (due to inactivity) with a top performance. Peter can solidify his standing if he can get past a boxer-puncher. I look forward to it.

"Living legend"? Of what? Mediocrity? Christ...Oquendo isn't bad, but he's about as painfully mediocre as Dominos Pizza. As for Peter-Barrett -- good decent fight. Makes sense for both I.M.O. As for Vidoz JE -- nah...As much as I love Italian cruisers & hvy's, the fact of the matter is this; he's just not a very good pro. However, the winner of Vidoz-Virchis should probably earn a spot somewhere. Sanil Sam? Mediocre. (Sorry Troy...He's just no Roman Greenberg...LOL!)

*Chuckle* I was recently having a discussion with a fellow paisano buddy (Amato actually) and we were trying to figure out who the all-time best Italian (Born & raised in Italy) hvy of all-time was. We came to the mutual conclusion that it was probably either Primo Carnerra, or Francesco Damiani! Even though we both love Primo, we decided it was probably Francesco...(lol)

P.S-I'll be back in Seattle in a few days Troy. I'm currently in San Francisco. Peace bud...

Peace Brian. I disagree about Vidoz. Solid victories over Hoffman, and Koc, he beat Sprott (who is underrated) but it wasn't a stellar performance. His victory over Hoffman is his best, he put Hoffman on the mat, and took the fight on 10 days notice. If Vidoz can get past Virchis, who I believe is easily his toughest test to date, and that includes Valuev, then he is a top 10 guy. I agree with Damiani as the best Italian heavyuweight, but Pianeta or someone name like that who came in 3rd in the worlds has turned pro and is fighting for Saurland is already 4-0 this year. Plus Sinan has better victories than the likes of Harrison, Oquendo, and Skelton, and their in the top 25. I'm not saying anything higher than 23, but SSS isn't a bad journeymen. Plus JE if you want tapes of either Sam or Vidoz or guys like CHagaev and Virchis, just let me know, and I'll send them to you.

Okay JE, it is officially time to put young "Fast" Eddie Chambers on the fringes. He has just defeated Mahone, and in impressive fashion. Chambers is a somewhat 'smallish' hvy at barely over 6-feet and the 2-teens, but may be a legit contender down the road from I've heard.

Troy, I'm excited about this Italian hvy! I looked him up, and he is very young (21) and very big (about 6'6" 250) and he has a decent amatuer background as well? Oh...He could be a cross between Francesco Damiani and Primo Carnera, perhaps even better! If only he (and we!) could be so lucky! (lol)

Yeah I've been watching Pianeta on boxrec. I check for every heavyweight and cruiserweight fight, it's sad I know. His opposition will improve in about 2 years, no hurry, he's 21. Great thing for him is I believe he is trained by Franz Sdunek. The European version of Angelo Dundee. I do expect a lot from this kid. Maybe a cross of Vidoz and Damiani, he must avoid the uppercuts though (ha). Plus in regards to Valuev, I heard from you guys cruiser that he threw different punches, an actual variety. Impressive. Briggs was rumored to fight Valuev, but Shannon was just trying to get publicity, don't expect the fight to happen. Plus itt's not Sinan Samil Sam thatr McCline is fighting, it's going to be..... drumroll please..... Alexander Dimitrenko.

Well, that's a decent test for Dimentrinko Troy. It's a smart fight for both really. Sam is a good journeymen/fringe-contender type, and is durable with a good chin. A win over Sam isn't going to be any surprise, but if he could pitch a shutout, or STOP him, it would be. On the other hand, if Sam pulls of the upset, he beats a young highly-touted and undefeated fighter. If he loses however (which I expect) he should probably retire.

As for Valuev Troy, I couldn't really couldn't gather much one way or the other in that performance. I mean, he did throw a few different punches, but...I still wasn't very impressed. He did what he had to do, but looked pretty slow to me.

Valuev is painfully mediocre, but HUGE. Beck? He's just plain painfully mediocre period folks. He went down about as easy as his namesake German beer...

Okay, just got off the phone from Scott. NO Dimitrenko, not yet. Shannon will be fighting Oliver McCall next month in Arkansas, and McCline will be fighting Terry Smith instead. Universum pulled Dimitrenko today.

The battles of the aged and mediocres there. Okay...Look on the bright side 'Bizzy', they are pretty evenly-matched fights, and Briggs is at least staying busy. But a 40-yr old Mccall is just kind of a 'lateral step'. But once again - kudos for staying busy from 'Bizzy'. *Gulp,cheers*

As you guys may know, I have been an ardent supporter of the Ring Magazine's ratings and general cause. Their system & rankings are not perfect, but I have found them to be very reasonable, and admire what their aim is. However...A few months ago, I noticed two very blatant 'wrongs'. One of which I am especially bothered by.

They have Ruiz ranked a few spots higher than Valuev.

Their 'justification' of this, was that the Donald fight, and especially Ruiz fight, were blatant 'robberies', so therefor they are keeping Ruiz above him. WRONG. Both of those fights were reasonably close, and while it is within Ring's parameters to play "jury and (aplhabet) executioner", they should not be playing JUDGE. It is just a horrible,horrible gaffe in my opinion.

The second one is the retention of Roy Jones in their top-FIVE. Now, I know that his three losses came to a world champion and a TOP-contender, but it is now THREE losses, and DECISIVE ones. I could have maybe have made a case for top-5 before his last loss, or top-10 as of this moment, but even those are stretches. No way he should be currently in the top-5, and the went outside their 'bounds' in putting Ruiz above Valuev I.M.O.

Anyways, I may shoot off an email to them. I truly WANT to support what they are doing, and don't expect to be in total agreement with them all of the time, but this one - has me bothered. I would hope they could 'suck up their pride', and admit they f*cked up a bit. (* Mainly the Ruiz/Valuev thing.)

P.S-I think we broke a (post) record here JE. Where have you been? Time to post or write another article, "Nations security" permitting! (LOL)